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Responsible Decisions
by Kristyn Conner
Making repsonsible decisions about major life issues must be done carefully and deliberately.
You need to look at the overall picture for possible ricks, then act decisively and without hesitation once the risks have been identified and weighed.
The Decision Making Model
Step 1: State the Situation
a. Examine the situation and ask yourself "What decision am I making?"
b. Identidy others who may be affected by your decision.
Step 2: List the Possible Options
a. Ask yourself "What are the possible choices that I could make?" Remember to include "not act at all", if appropriate.
b. Share your options with responsible family members, teachers or friends.
Step 3: Weigh the Possible Outcomes
a. Ask yourself if there are both positive and negative results of each choice.
b. Weight the outcome, or consequence, of each option.
c. Ask yourself "Is this decision healthful, safe and legal?"
d. Does it show respect for myself and others?
Step 4: Consider Your Values
a. Evaluate whether your course of action is in keeping with your values and the values of your family and community.
b. Ask yourself "Am I comfortable with the possible outcome?"
c. What will my family and other responsible adults think about this decision?
d. What will I feel about this decision in the weeks and months ahead?
Step 5: Make a Decision and Take Action
a. Use everything you know at this point to make a responsible decision.
b. You can feel good that you have carefully prepared and thought about the situation and your options.
Step 6: Evaluate Your Decision
a. After you have made the decision and taken action, reflect on what happened.
b. You might ask yourself: "What was the outcome?"
c. Was it what I expected?
d. How did my decision affect my health?
e. What effect did my decision have on others?
f. What did I learn?
g. Would I take the same action again?
Homework Help: Health: Choice Making
For Further Reading
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